With Swamp Rose, @gonatureforward.bsky.social, CASA-affiliated Workers Co-op Without Borders LLC, volunteers, and youth, we created two gardens in Langley Park! Our community came together to grow green spaces and resilience. Thanks Chesapeake Bay Trust. Story by @wtopnews.bsky.social

Our forests at Woodend are looking beautiful as the trees prepare for winter! Their leaves are turning all shades of yellow, orange, and red. Check out how different native species look and are changing colors, and keep an eye out for them on your next walk before fall is over!

Nature Forward is hiring! We are looking for a Maryland Research & Outreach Intern to work with our Maryland Conservation Advocate and support our data center reform work through research, writing, and community engagement. Apply by November 19th at 5pm: natureforward.org/wp-content/u...

Join the Montgomery County Stormwater Partners Network's next Lunch and Learn: Let's Move Beyond Plastic on December 4 from 12-1pm. They will discuss what impacts plastic pollution has on our communities, and what actions we can take to fight this issue. Sign up here: forms.gle/HyUBrn9ztvAg...

One week away! The Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland is hosting From Redlining to Renew: Advancing Reparative Justice in Policy & Practice on Wednesday, November 5th from 6:30pm-8:00pm. Join us and register here: #[bit.ly/3Jca09c

Why do we associate these animals with Halloween? Is it because they make scary sounds or roam around in the shadows? Either way, these spooky creatures serve important ecological roles in our ecosystems. Spider, Crow, and Owl photos by Jane Gamble Bat photo by Andy Reago & Chrissy McClarren

It's almost Halloween! Check out some spooky native plants you might find on your next walk through the woods. You won't find Bloodroot or Ghost Plant flowering this time of year, but Doll's Eyes keep their berries until the end of October and Witch Hazels bloom throughout the fall.

A new article from the Baltimore Banner, mentioning our Director of Conservation, Lydia Lawrence, and our Maryland Conservation Advocate, @angie22mccarthy.bsky.social, discusses the impacts of data center developments in Maryland and Virginia: www.thebanner.com/economy/data...

@angie22mccarthy.bsky.social, our Maryland Conservation Advocate, had a great conversation about data centers with Citizens for Accountability in Governance. Watch the video below to hear from Angie as well as environmental experts, Julie Bolthouse and David Arndt: youtu.be/44DcfArtF7M?...

Prince George's County deserves professionals, not public servants who have been fired from their roles due to gross negligence. Let your councilmembers know to vote no to Dr. Moki for PG County's head of Department of the Environment: natureforward.org/prince-georg...

Nature Forward is deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Jane Goodall, a passionate advocate for empowering individuals and communities to protect and preserve the natural world. May her legacy continue to inspire us all.

This article written by Jamon Overby, our DC Conservation Advocate, explains why this bill is vital for cleaning up our streams in neighborhoods across all eight wards. Find more information and ways you can make a difference here: www.choosecleanwater.org/blog/2025/9/...

The DC Council's hearing on the proposed bottle bill is ongoing! Over 200 people signed up to testify, including our Grassroots Engagement Coordinator, Douglas McRae. The bill aims to reduce litter and river pollution.

This video from @angie22mccarthy.bsky.social shows just close these facilities are to neighborhoods and communities in Northern Virginia.

We kicked off our Building Community Power for Data Center Reform course today by touring Data Center Alley in Ashburn, VA. These photos show a data center that uses more than 100 diesel generators for emergency energy backup. The facility is right next to a residential neighborhood and park.

Another EJ issue: the areas where gas peaker plants are staying online are NOT the areas where they are getting the financial benefits of data center development. They have no say in the matter!

The data center demand is through the roof: DCs generally have a low vacancy rate so companies feel like they can continuing building since companies want their servers before the buildings are even built.

Inspired by Rachel Carson's vision, Nature Forward's youth programs are designed to spark curiosity, joy, and discovery. Days Off Camp kicks off next week — if your child is off October 2, we’d love to welcome them for a day of exploration and hands-on fun 🔗 natureforward.org/program/day-...

Today marks the 63rd anniversary of Rachel Carson's influential book, Silent Spring, that kickstarted the modern environmental movement. The ideas written about in Silent Spring are still relevant today as we continue in our work to protect and advocate for nature!

Hmm, where do frogs come from? Why do birds migrate? Whose fur is that? Ask all these questions and more at Woodend’s Nature Play Space THIS SATURDAY, September 27 between 10am and noon for free, family-friendly📍8940 Jones Mill Rd, Chevy Chase, Md.

It’s Fall🍁Our GreenKids educators are engaging MCPS high school biology classes in outdoor learing. Over the year, we will work with thousands of students to better understand the health of our shared waters.

Next month — when school is closed, nature is open for fun! We're so excited to welcome campers back to Woodend for exploration, learning, and fun! If you’ve registered for our October 2 Day Off Camp, be sure to tell a friend — the more, the merrier! Details here: natureforward.org/program/day-...

@JonBatiste ‘s climate song is “a warning set to a dance beat.” The video is out - let’s make it viral. jonbatiste.com/petrichor #ClimateWeekNYC

Hello and welcome to another Monday morning meandering ! Today, we are introducing our two new Maryland Climate Corps members, Esö and Bella! Maybe you’ll see them around!

🍂 Fall is Here — and So is Pumpkin Spice Season! 🎃 Celebrate sweater weather and all things pumpkin by treating yourself to the Birds & Beans limited edition, 100% Bird Friendly, Organic Pumpkin Spice Roast. Shop in person or online: natureforward.org/shop

Find Nature Forward’s table at the Southwest Neighborhood Assembly and DC VOAD’s Open House on September 29 — we look forward to meeting you!

#OTD in 2017, Hurricane Maria made landfall in Puerto Rico. Ada Monzón became a lifeline for over 3 million people, delivering vital information. In 2018, she was named National Weatherperson of the Year. The next year, she joined us at the Naturally Latinos Conference. What an honor

Today’s visitor—spotted by our wonderful preschool team—is reminding us to hop into the weekend! (Gray Tree Frog, Dryophytes versicolor) To our delightful preschool families: we’ll see you back on Monday, the first day of fall!

The DC Council approved the Washington Commanders' return to the RFK site with $1B in taxpayer subsidies for the team's owners. But what about the health of the Anacostia River and affordable housing? Read our full statement here: natureforward.org/sustainable-...

Meet our Preschool Director - Dr. Rose Brusaferro! Rose researched environmental literacy and human-nature connections. Our preschoolers experience so much joy every day…naturally! Our next preschool open house on Oct. 20. Sign up here to learn more and enroll your child: tinyurl.com/2mr234w2

Happy National Pawpaw Day! North America's largest fruit can be found all over the DC area in the early fall. You can collect up to half a gallon from Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park, or you can stop by the Annual Maryland Pawpaw Fest in Frederick!

In the News: Our own Lydia Lawrence was quoted in a story about the growing presence of data centers in Maryland. Nature Forward is proud to stand alongside others advocating for sustainable data center development. Our thanks to everyone speaking up on this important issue. tinyurl.com/4v4k5844

Preschoolers need more outdoor time. If you agree, please tell your family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors to mark their calendars. The Nature Forward Preschool Fall Open House is Monday, October 20, 2025, from 10 to noon. Please RSVP: tinyurl.com/5ayn2uj7

What’s at Woodend this Wednesday? We are excited to feature Woodend’s resident red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), Bob! We're so glad he's here. Next time you’re at Woodend keep an eye out for him! (He is likely snacking on local sourced rodents)

Join Nature Forward at @earthsangha.bsky.social's Fall Open House & Native Plant Sale on Sunday, Sept. 21, in Springfield, VA! We're excited to be part of this fantastic event with other inspiring orgs. Stop by our table to say hello and chat about native plants, invasives, and local conservation!

The W&OD Trail is a Northern Virginia treasure at risk. Yet Dominion’s clear-cutting and a potential long-shot commuter rail proposal could significantly change this important corridor. This op-ed explains why we must act now to protect the trail: ggwash.org/view/100790/...

See you soon!

Join us Sept. 20 from 9-11 at Woodend Sanctuary, 8940 Jones Mill Rd, Chevy Chase MD. This free bilingual event is hosted by American Bird Conservancy, DC Bird Alliance, and Nature Forward's #NaturallyLatinos and #TakingNatureBlack Conferences. tinyurl.com/5n7873d4

What's at Woodend this Week? Two weeks ago, a large branch landed on our fence and an intruder got in! To ensure our forest management can continue successfully, it is important that Woodend stays deer-free. Soon, the restoration team will take action to make sure the deer leaves safely.

In ugly times, we need to seek beauty in tiny things. The first of my new column on how we rehumanize focuses on the sublime beauty in grass flowers and other ordinary things -- as long as we pause to look. Gift link. wapo.st/4pm7wVU

Birds aren’t the only ones on the move—mammals are busy prepping for winter! 🐿️ Dive into their fascinating world. 📅 Mammals of the Mid-Atlantic, with Kerry Wixted, starts Mon, Sept 15 🕑 Register by Fri, Sept 12 at 2 PM 🔗campscui.active.com/orgs/NatureF...

WATCH: WUSA9’s latest story highlights residents' concerns over a proposed data center at the old Landover Mall site in Prince George's County. Our own @angie22mccarthy.bsky.social weighs in and raises an important point about what could happen down the line. ​ youtu.be/xHEw2p-vMrg

Today, on the anniversary of 9/11, we honor all the lives lost on that tragic day. Rich Guadagno was a devoted conservationist. After celebrating his grandmother’s 100th birthday, he boarded Flight 93 to return home. Learn more about his life: bit.ly/46txCyJ 📷: USFWS

Nature Forward Maryland Conservation Advocate Angie McCarthy is quoted in this story 👇 🔗 technical.ly/workforce/ma... Angie is also representing Nature Forward at a rally for responsible data center development in Prince George's County that's getting underway now!

WUSA9 with the latest on data centers in Prince George’s County (see last night’s video 👇). Nature Forward & residents will rally TODAY at noon for responsible development. The Qualified Data Center Taskforce meeting follows at 1 PM. 📺 Watch live: pgccouncil.us/LIVE

The recommended reading list for U.S. Conservation History features books that have inspired generations of nature lovers and activists. Passionate about learning from the past to shape a better future? Then this 10-week course is for you. Details: campscui.active.com/orgs/NatureF...

On Saturday, Nature Forward, partner organizations, and elected officials held a rally at the Vienna Town Green to show support for protecting trees along the W&OD Trail. Hear directly from a bicyclist who was there!

On Saturday, Nature Forward, partner organizations, and elected officials held a rally at the Vienna Town Green to show support for protecting trees along the W&OD Trail. Hear directly from our colleague who was there!

It’s the first week of Nature Preschool here at Woodend Nature Sanctuary! We begin our year with two “soft start days”. Welcome back, Saplings and Oaks!